Month: Dec 2025

The 12 Days of Yule, often referred to as Yule or Yuletide, is a rich and vibrant festive season celebrated across various cultures, particularly in Northern Europe. This period traditionally spans from the winter solstice, which occurs around December 21st, to the beginning of January, encompassing a wide array of customs, rituals, and traditions that reflect the joyous spirit of the season. Each day of Yule holds its own unique significance, contributing to the overarching themes of rebirth, light, and community.

Below is an overview of each day and its associated customs, beliefs, and practices

Day 1: Winter Solstice (Yule)

The first day of Yule coincides with the winter solstice, known as Yule itself, which marks the longest night of the year. This pivotal moment in the seasonal cycle symbolises the rebirth of the sun, as from this point forward, the days gradually begin to lengthen. Celebrations on this day often involve lighting candles, bonfires, and hearth fires, serving as powerful symbols of the return of light and warmth. Many people engage in rituals that honour the sun and express gratitude for its return, creating a sense of hope and renewal.

Day 2: Yule Blessing

The second day is dedicated to Yule blessings, a time for families and friends to come together and express gratitude for the past year. It is customary for individuals to share their hopes, dreams, and intentions for the upcoming year, fostering an atmosphere of positivity and support. This day may involve special prayers or blessings, as well as the creation of a Yule altar adorned with symbols of abundance and prosperity, reinforcing the importance of community and connection.

Day 3: Feast of Yule

On the third day, families typically gather for a grand Feast of Yule, which is a celebration filled with joy and abundance. This feast often features a variety of seasonal foods, such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and festive desserts, reflecting the bounty of the winter harvest. Traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations are often served, creating a sense of nostalgia and continuity. As families share this meal, stories and laughter abound, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.

Day 4: Gift Giving

The fourth day is a cherished time for gift-giving, a practice steeped in history and tradition. Exchanging gifts symbolizes goodwill, generosity, and the spirit of giving, which can be traced back to ancient customs where offerings were made to deities or shared among community members during the winter months. This day encourages people to think of others and to express their affection and appreciation through thoughtful presents, fostering a sense of joy and connection among family and friends.

Day 5: Yule Tree Decoration

On the fifth day, families partake in the delightful tradition of decorating the Yule tree. Evergreen trees, symbolizing life and resilience amidst the harshness of winter, are adorned with a variety of ornaments, lights, and natural elements such as pinecones and berries. This
activity is often a joyful family affair, with everyone contributing their creativity and personal touches. The decorated tree serves as a focal point of the home, radiating warmth and cheer radiating warmth and cheer throughout the festive season.

Day 6: Yule Traditions

The sixth day is dedicated to engaging in various Yule traditions that have been cherished over the years.

This may include singing carols that celebrate the season, sharing stories that reflect the spirit of Yule, and participating in community events that foster togetherness. Many communities organise gatherings, fairs, or markets where people can come together to enjoy food, crafts, and entertainment, reinforcing the sense of belonging and shared celebration.

Day 7: Honouring Ancestors

Day seven is a poignant day of honouring ancestors, a time to remember those who came before us and to reflect on family heritage. This may involve rituals such as lighting candles in their memory, making offerings, or sharing stories that celebrate their lives and contributions.

By acknowledging and honouring ancestors, families strengthen their connections to the past and instill a sense of identity and continuity for future generations.

Day 8: Nature Appreciation

The eighth day is dedicated to nature appreciation, encouraging individuals and families to spend time outdoors, marveling at the beauty of the winter landscape. Activities may include taking peaceful walks in the snow, observing winter wildlife, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with the natural world, fostering a sense of gratitude for the earth and its cycles, even during the coldest months.

Day 9: Reflection and Meditation

On the ninth day, individuals set aside time for personal reflection and meditation. This day is dedicated to introspection, allowing people to contemplate their experiences from the past year and to set intentions for the new year ahead. Many choose to engage in mindfulness practices, journaling, or quiet contemplation, creating a space for personal growth and renewal. This emphasis on self-awareness and intention-setting can lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling year.

Day 10: Community Service

The tenth day is a call to action, encouraging individuals to engage in community service and acts of kindness. This may involve volunteering at local shelters, donating to food banks, or helping neighbours in need. By giving back to the community, individuals embody the spirit of generosity and compassion that is central to the Yule season. This day emphasises the importance of supporting one another, especially during the winter months when many may struggle.

Day 11: Family and Friends Gathering

The eleventh day is all about gathering with family and friends to celebrate the season together. This day is filled with warmth, laughter, and storytelling, as loved ones come together to share their experiences and create lasting memories. Many families host open houses or parties, where the joy of togetherness is celebrated through food, games, and shared traditions, reinforcing the bonds of love and friendship that enrich our lives.

Day 12: New Year’s Eve

The final day of Yule culminates in the celebration of New Year’s Eve, often marked by festivities that include fireworks, parties, and various cultural rituals to welcome the new year with joy and hope. People reflect on the past year while looking forward to new beginnings, often making resolutions or setting goals for the year ahead. This day for the year ahead. This day encapsulates the spirit of Yule, celebrating renewal, community, and the promise of brighter days to come.

While the specific customs and significance of each day may vary across different cultures and regions, the overarching themes of community, gratitude, and the return of light during the darkest time of the year remain universal.

The 12 Days of Yule serve as a meaningful reminder of the importance and significance of each day may vary across different cultures and regions, the overarching themes of community, gratitude, and the return of light during the darkest time of the year remain universal. It also serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of connection, reflection, and celebration as we transition into a new year filled with possibilities.

During midwinter celebrations such as Yule holly was brought indoors not merely as decoration but as a sacred allv. Its presence honoured the continuitv of life, the promise of the sun’s return, and the protective forces needed to endure the harsh season. In pagan symbolism, holly is not a plant of softness or abundance, but one of discipline, guardianship, and quiet power–an evergreen reminder that life persists even in darkness

Meagan Moon, Mystical Moon Soul fb page

‘Lowarnes’ has landed at The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Redruth, Cornwall — a six-metre {19.7 feet} vixen fox that leaps through the Georgian Ride Woodland.

It is crafted from 600 pieces of russet wood reclaimed from a 150-year-old rhododendron tree felled by Storm Darragh on the estate in December 2024.

It was sculpted by Sue and Pete Hill with Hal Silvester, she honours Heligan’s wild heart and poetic soul. Sue and Pete are also the artists behind the beloved Mud Maid and Giant’s Head

Laura Smit-Chesterfield, director of visitor experience at the gardens, said the sculpture was “a glorious celebration of Heligan’s wildlife”.

The tree predated World War One, a spokesperson said.

As the wood ages, it is expected to fade to a lighter, silvery tone, reflecting the change in a real vixen’s fur after she has become a mother.

The sculpture is accompanied by a collection of Heligan-inspired poetry from poet laureate Simon Armitage, with both works “highlighting and celebrating the wildlife who make Heligan their home”.

Ms Hill said Armitage’s poem, Den, “speaks so powerfully of the wild, feral nature of foxes”.

She said a photograph of a pouncing fox taken on the Heligan estate by Andy Wilson was the artists’ “core inspiration”.

“Lowarnes has her gaze set on you as her prey,” she added.

Reference BBC Cornwall.

Sue Hill facebook

In celtic pagan mythology, the year is seen as a battle between two figures. The Oak King who rules the light half of the year, Summer and the Holly King who rules the dark half of the year Winter.

The Holly King is defeated by the Oak King at the Summer Solstice and the Holly King takes back the throne at the Winter Solstice, Yule. This represents the sun’s rebirth and the slow return of the light.
Holly’s prickly, thorny leaves were believed to repel malevolent spirits, mischievous fairies, and bad luck. Bringing it into the home, was a way to fortify the house against winter hardship and dark forces.
Placing holly near doors and windows was a common practice for household protection.
Holly is often associated with the masculine principle, while Ivy is associated with the feminine. Together in a wreath, they symbolize the union of the sexes and the balance of nature.
Despite it’s protective qualities for humans, tradition holds that fairies would take shelter in holly bushes during the harsh winter. Bringing Holly into the home was also a way to share warmth with the nature spirits.
Holly was sometimes used to induce prophetic dreams. If a person wished to dream of their future love, they might place a sprig of Holly under their pillow.
Holly’s enduring green color and vibrant red berries in the midst of winter darkness, made it a powerful symbol of everlasting life and the promise that the sun would always return.

Forestry England are delighted to announce that Whinlatter Forest near Keswick has been awarded a VisitEngland Gold Accolade for the second year running, and third time in five years.

These prestigious awards are based on the results of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessments, reflecting the attractions’ commitment to providing an exceptional visitor experience and the incredibly high standards they achieve.

The team from Whinlatter Forest attended the awards ceremony in Warwickshire (12th November 2025), where they were presented with their award certificate alongside other winners from across the country.

Mark Holroyd, Head of Recreation and Communications for Forestry England’s North District said:

“This prestigious national award celebrates the Whinlatter recreation team’s unwavering dedication over many years to delivering consistently exceptional experiences and facilities for all our visitors. Such recognition is a fantastic achievement, but to do so for a second year running, as well as previously in 2021, really highlights the passion they have for truly outstanding customer service.”

Find Out More Here:
https://www.keswick.org/whats-on/news/whinlatter-forest-scoops-gold
Whinlatter – Forestry England

Before the bright red suit became famous around the world, Santa Claus had another form — older, wilder, and deeply connected to nature. This was the Green Santa, a figure rooted in ancient winter traditions and the spirit of the earth.

In early European folklore, the Green Santa — often known as Father Christmas — was not just a giver of gifts. He was the embodiment of winter’s magic, the turning of the seasons, and the quiet promise of renewal.

Clothed in deep green robes, he symbolized:
• the life hidden beneath the snow
• the evergreen trees that survive the cold
• the return of sunlight after the longest night
• the sacred cycles of nature

Long before modern celebrations, people honored the winter solstice through Yule, lighting fires and decorating with holly and ivy. During this time, the Green Santa appeared as a guardian of warmth, joy, and rebirth — a gentle reminder that even in the darkest days, life continues.

It was only in the 20th century that the red-suited Santa became popular, replacing the older green-clad spirit. Yet the Green Santa still lives on in folklore, pagan traditions, and the heart of winter magic.

He is the spirit of nature, renewal, and ancient festive joy — the Santa of the forests, the evergreens, and the old ways.

Occult Nature fb page